My Favorite American Idol Contestants
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Lauren Alaina (real name Lauren Alaina Suddeth) quickly became a favorite on American Idol (2002) Season Ten's list of competitors, unique in her looks and known for her devotion to God. Born and raised in Rossville, Georgia, Lauren tapped into her talent of singing when her cousin got diagnosed with a brain tumor and convinced Lauren to pursue her singing dreams. During her stay on "American Idol", she quickly became friends with winner Scotty McCreery. They shared their Christianity, country roots and likability. Though Scotty won, Lauren was more than happy to lose to a friend and kissed him repeatedly after it was announced to what would later be called "Proof of McLaina", which is a couple nickname dubbed by Lauren and Scotty's fans. Though Lauren played it coy for weeks after, both she and Scotty have now said that they are like "brother and sister" and they are "best friends". Her new album, "Wildflower", hit stores in October of 2011 and, already, she shows some huge success, debuting at number 1 on iTunes. With her awesome looks, angelic voice and charming sense of humor, one thing is for sure: this "Georgia Peach" has talent and will go very far.- Soundtrack
- Music Artist
- Actress
- Music Department
Carrie Underwood was born on 10 March 1983 in Muskogee, Oklahoma, USA. She is a music artist and actress, known for Soul Surfer (2011), The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010) and How I Met Your Mother (2005). She has been married to Mike Fisher since 10 July 2010. They have two children.- Music Artist
- Producer
- Actress
Kelly Brianne Clarkson was born on April 24, 1982 in Fort Worth, Texas and raised in Burleson, Texas to Jeanne Ann Taylor (née Rose), an English teacher & Stephen Michael Clarkson, an engineer. She was the first winner of the series American Idol in 2002. Kelly is also a strong believer in God.- Actress
- Producer
- Composer
Jordin Brianna Sparks was born on December 22, 1989 in Phoenix, Arizona and raised in Glendale, Arizona & Ridgewood, New Jersey. She was born to Jodi Beth Wiedmann & Phillippi Sparks. She rose to fame in 2007 after winning the sixth season of American Idol at age 17, becoming the youngest winner in the series' history. Her self-titled debut studio album, released later that year, was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and has sold over two million copies worldwide. The album spawned the Billboard Hot 100 top-ten singles "Tattoo" and "No Air"; the latter, a collaboration with Chris Brown, is currently the third highest-selling single by any American Idol contestant, selling over three million digital copies in the United States. The song earned Sparks her first Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals. Sparks' second studio album, Battlefield (2009), debuted at number 7 on the Billboard 200 chart. Its title single reached number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, making Sparks the only American Idol contestant to have her first five singles reach the top 20 in the United States. The second single, "S.O.S. (Let the Music Play)", became Sparks's first number one on the Hot Dance Club Play chart. Throughout her career, Sparks has received numerous accolades, including an NAACP Image Award, a BET Award, an American Music Award, a People's Choice Award and two Teen Choice Awards. In 2009, Billboard magazine ranked her as the 91st Artist of the 2000s Decade. In 2012, Sparks was ranked at number 92 on VH1's list of the "100 Greatest Women in Music". As of February 2012, she has sold 1.3 million albums and 10.2 million singles in the United States alone, making her one of the most successful American Idol contestants of all time.
Following the release of Battlefield, Sparks ventured into acting, pursuing television and Broadway. She made her stage debut as Nina Rosario in the musical In The Heights (2010), and her feature film debut as the titular character in Sparkle (2012). Sparks has also released several perfumes, including Because of You... in 2010 as well as Fascinate and Ambition in 2012. After a five-year absence from music, she released a mixtape, #ByeFelicia (2014), under a new record deal with Louder Than Life/Red Associated Labels, a joint deal with Sony Music Entertainment. Sparks' R&B-focused third studio album and most recent to date, Right Here Right Now (2015), saw smaller commercial success but received positive reviews from music critics.- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
- Soundtrack
Hollie Jessica Cavanagh is a singer who was born in Liverpool to Lorraine and Peter Cavanagh, She has two older brothers Luke and Aaron Cavanagh. She placed fourth on the eleventh season of American Idol. Cavanagh is a fan of Liverpool F.C., attended St Austin's Primary School in Aigburth and graduated from McKinney Boyd High School where she played football in 2011. She has a Lab and Golden Retriever mix named Shankly. she has one of the strongest fan base on American Idol called Holliepop. her voice is really pure, strong and beautiful. she said her debut is gonna be like Christina Aguilera first albums. she adores Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera and Adele.- Actress
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Kellie Pickler was born in Albemarle, North Carolina to Cynthia Morton and Clyde "Bo" Raymond Pickler, Jr. Cynthia left when Kellie was 2 but was then granted custody for two years. Kellie was returned to her grandparents at age 12. Her father was in and out of jail throughout her childhood and she was raised in Albemarle, North Carolina by her grandparents, who were big influences in her life. She has a half-sister named Courtney and two half-brothers, Eric and Michael; she has never met Michael. Kellie and Eric continued to live with their grandfather after their grandmother died of lung cancer in 2002. At North Stanly High School in New London, North Carolina, from which she graduated in 2004, she was a cheerleader and a beauty queen. In 2005 she tried out for American Idol (2002) and was sent to Hollywood. She sang many famous songs, including "Since U Been Gone" by Kelly Clarkson, "A Broken Wing" by Martina McBride, and "Blame it on the Sun" by Stevie Wonder. She was one of Simon's favorites, but was eliminated in the Final 6. Back in North Carolina she was given a key to the city on "Kellie Pickler Day", May 6, 2006. She then headed to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue her dreams. She was signed to 19 Recordings/BNA Records and wrote and sang many chart-toppers, including "Red High Heels", "I Wonder", "Things That Never Cross a Man's Mind", "Don't You Know You're Beautiful", "You Didn't Know How Much I Loved You", and "The Best Days of Your Life".- Actress
- Soundtrack
Jessica Sanchez was born on 4 August 1995 in Chula Vista, California, USA. She is an actress, known for American Idol (2002), Glee (2009) and The Clash (2018).- Actor
- Music Department
- Composer
Adam Lambert is a Grammy-nominated international artist, actor, philanthropist, and LGBTQ+ activist.
As the first openly gay male artist to top the Billboard album charts, Adam has released five studio albums to date, amassing more than three million album sales worldwide-all while honoring the legacy of Freddie Mercury as the frontman of the iconic band, Queen.
Adam counts the British Royal Family among his fans. A personal invitation from HRH The Princess of Wales had him performing at last year's Royals: Together At Christmas and previously for HRH Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee, opening the show alongside Brian May and Roger Taylor.
Recent highlights include the release of Adam's latest top 10 charting album, High Drama, headlining London Pride, and showcasing his acting skills in Sofia Coppola's Fairyland, as well as the five-time Academy Award-winning film Bohemian Rhapsody.
Continuing his support for the LGBTQ+ community, Adam founded the Feel Something Foundation, a non-profit organization supporting LGBTQ+ human rights. The foundation raises funds and contributes to marginalized and underrepresented groups globally.
Adam continues to gain superstar momentum worldwide. This year, he will join the judging panel of The Voice Australia, work on his highly anticipated 6th Studio Album, and embark on a stadium tour across Japan after a successful North American tour with Queen last year. In 2024, Adam will release an ITV documentary exploring the LGBTQ+ experience within the music industry, featuring interviews with iconic musicians spanning multiple decades.- Actress
- Soundtrack
Shannon Magrane is known for Shannon Magrane: Weather (2015) and American Idol (2002).- Actor
- Composer
- Editor
In 2008, more than 30 million television viewers fell in love with David Archuleta; with his angelic voice, bashful sweetness, and megawatt smile, over 44 million votes made him the first runner-up in Season 7 of American Idol - and a star at age 16.
Shortly after "Idol," David's first single, "Crush," debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The track sold more than 2 million digital copies to become double platinum. Three months later, his self-titled album, David Archuleta, sold more than 900,000 copies worldwide.
With a faithful social media following (3.5 million Facebook followers, 1.1 million on Twitter, and almost 1 million followers on TikTok), David has toured all over the U.S., Canada, Asia, and even in the Middle East. In 2017, he relocated to Nashville and released his seventh album Postcards in the Sky featuring all original songs that he had a hand in writing.
The game-changer though was David's 2020 album, Therapy Sessions, which featured an inside look into his internal struggle with himself - a battle he has experienced for most of his life. He carried a heavy burden by trying to be something he was not while knowing that who he really was would put him at odds with the church he grew up in. "I was going through therapy, and trying to apply the steps it took to escape the barriers I had created for myself," he explains. "Music has always been healing for me and I hoped that what I created on that album would help people who were also struggling with who they were."
In 2021, David came out as queer to the LGBTQ community and continues to navigate his identity. During this time, he also had vocal cord surgery, which left him unable to speak much for 3 months, resulting in a period of self-reflection.
In the summer of 2022, David shared his powerful coming-out journey at the Love Loud Festival, which left both the audience and David in tears. David then made his professional musical theater debut as "Joseph" in the acclaimed Andrew Lloyd Weber/Tim Rice musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. "Performing in Joseph really helped me connect with audiences in a way I hadn't before. I was more reserved and unsure as a performer, and doing the show was part of the process of unlocking things within me."
In the fall of 2022, David revealed to Good Morning America that he was experiencing a faith crisis and stepping away from the Church of Latter-Day Saints, having been a Mormon his whole life. He then rounded out 2022 with the release of "Faith in Me," his first song since having vocal cord surgery and, by far, one of his more personal songs. "It's about being OK with who you are and moving forward. Not caring about what anyone thinks, just letting go of baggage, forging your own path and finding joy." says David. "We actually re-wrote the song to accommodate where I was personally at the time of the recording."
2023 is shaping up to be the Year of Archuleta, not the least of which is because of his return to television. The Masked Singer saw David spread his wings (and end up a finalist) as the Macaw, a bird known for its exuberant personality. An audience favorite, David rose to the top against other heavyweight vocalists such as Pentatonix, Michael Bolton and Sara Evans. "Being the Macaw was exciting because it was like becoming a new person. Even though people couldn't see me in the costume, it allowed me to show a lot more of myself. I could be a lot louder with my personality and really let loose and spread my wings. I was able to show the colors I was too afraid to show and tap deeper emotionally in my performances." said David
David's also gone 'home' to American Idol, where he's a mentor to up-and-comers like he once was. "It has been a beautiful experience. I have watched the show from the first season and then competed in the 7th season of the show, which was already full circle for me. It was an honor to be asked back as a 'seasoned professional' to work with the contestants. It was fun, and it felt good be able to help others develop their talent, and have people say I was an inspiration," he says. "Looking back to when I first watched, I can't believe I would be there for people like Kelly Clarkson and Tamyra Gray were for me."
David's latest single is "Up," and while not a continuation of "Faith in Me," it's similar in its optimism. "Faith in Me" was about me learning to have fun, and not take everything so seriously. "Up" is more of a reflective song. It's looking at my journey and seeing how far I've come," he says. "I hit rock bottom. I thought I wouldn't get through it, but here I am. I thought I was hopeless and that I'd failed, but here I am. Even when you're at your lowest, you need to realize you can only go UP. You need to hold on to that glimmer of hope and say, I am going to turn any type of hate and negativity into positivity and love. It's a song about finding the strength you didn't know you had in you. And replacing any fear and hate with love. Especially self-love."
"Up" will be part of a bigger project David's working on, with a plan to record more music later this year for an album. "I am ready to share this new chapter and be comfortable with who I am as a performer. I'd like to go on tour when I figure myself out a little more, you know? My music was always formed around my beliefs, so I want to work out what I should put my faith in now. I can say that for the first time, I felt like I've taken my power back after having given it away for so long. That's a huge step."- Actor
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Colton Dixon was born to Teresa and Michael Dixon and has a younger sister, Schyler Dixon. [2] He is also a devout Christian.[3] He graduated from Middle Tennessee School in 2009. Originally rising to fame as lead singer in the Christian rock band, Messenger, formed in 2010, he became a favorite during the early auditions of American Idol. Dixon auditioned in the tenth season, along with his sister Schyler, at the Nashville auditions. However, neither of them ended up in the Top 24. After he was sent home, Dixon performed on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on March 3, 2011. Dixon returned in season 11, however he did not plan to audition, initially planning to merely accompany his sister Schyler to her audition. The judges implored Dixon to audition as well, where he sang David Cook's "Permanent". Both he and Schyler were awarded golden tickets. Schyler was cut yet again during the Las Vegas round, which brought him to tears.- Actress
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- Music Department
Allison Iraheta was born on 27 April 1992 in Los Angeles, California, USA. She is an actress and composer, known for Lost Time (2014), The Short Game (2013) and Adam Lambert: If I Had You (2010).- Actor
- Music Department
- Soundtrack
Chris Daughtry was born on 26 December 1979 in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, USA. He is an actor, known for Wanderlust (2012), Criminal Minds (2005) and NCIS: Los Angeles (2009). He has been married to Deanna Daughtry since 11 November 2000. They have four children.- Actress
- Soundtrack
Diana DeGarmo, a country girl from Georgia and American Idol Season 3 Runner-Up just released her first real Country EP, "Live To Love", composed of songs she co-wrote with new fiancé Ace Young, that is digitally distributed through Jimmy Buffett's Mailboat Records. She has multiple Theatre credits including "Hairspray" & "HAIR" on Broadway and was just recently seen as Angelina Veneziano on the Number 1 Daytime TV Drama, "The Young & The Restless."- Actress
- Writer
- Soundtrack
Elise Testone is known for American Idol (2002), Elise Testone: Now (2015) and Live at the Charleston Music Hall (2016).- Actress
- Producer
- Soundtrack
Thia Megia was born on 30 January 1995 in Hayward, California, USA. She is an actress and producer, known for Days of Our Lives (1965), Totally Funny (2017) and Tails of the Blue (2017).- Music Artist
- Actor
- Writer
Scotty McCreery was born on 9 October 1993 in Garner, North Carolina, USA. He is a music artist and actor, known for American Idol (2002), Five More Minutes: Moments Like These (2022) and Five More Minutes (2021). He has been married to Gabi Dugal since 16 June 2018.- Actor
- Soundtrack
Jeremy Rosado is known for Church Folks (2020), Street Redemption (2016) and An Encounter with the Messiah (2015).- Actor
- Composer
- Music Department
James Durbin is known for In the Blood (2019), American Idol (2002) and Talk Is Jericho (2013). He has been married to Heidi Lowe since 31 December 2011. They have two children.- Actress
- Music Department
- Composer
A timeless voice outlasts eras. It feels just as at home in the sixties as it does in the TikTok age. It also resounds louder as time goes on. Haley Reinhart brandishes such a voice. The expansive scope of her range comes into full focus on her 4th album, Lo-Fi Soul. In many ways, Haley began working towards this album and her artistry as a child. Mom and dad share a "Midnight Band," and unsurprisingly, their daughter would sing before she could talk. She spent countless hours engaged in rhyming games with her mother or locked into a call-and-response as a baby with her father.
In 2009, Haley was the first songstress ever to join her high school jazz band where they performed at both Montreux and Umbria jazz festivals. Her fascination with all things classic continued as she became a fan of The Beatles and Janis Joplin, to Ella Fitzgerald and Sly & The Family Stone. These influences also led her to record a full album at Sunset Sound, paying homage to classic rock and pop hits from the late sixties titled, What's That Sound. Haley plays regularly with Robby Krieger of The Doors among other rock legends; she continues to keep her rock 'n' roll roots intact.
The double platinum-certified Chicago-born/Los Angeles-based singer and songwriter exudes an empowering level of charisma and confidence earned by a quiet, decade-long grind. Haley landed third place and became a fan favorite on season 10 of American Idol. She recently returned to AI, this time as a mentor, coaching contestants singing in the Soul Genre. Her dynamic presence powered four solo albums- Listen Up! [2012] Interscope Records, Better [2016] Red Dot, What's That Sound? [2017] Concord Records, and Lo- Fi Soul [2019] on her self-owned label, Reinhart Records. Haley has been known to leave her mark on countless films and commercials singing in the new Mazda ad, Chase Bank, as well as shows including Love Island, Gossip Girl, Nashville, Riverdale, The Wilds, America's Got Talent, Dancing with the Stars, and the list goes on...
Meanwhile, Haley's take on the Elvis Presley classic, Can't Help Falling In Love generated over 325 million Spotify streams and 100 million YouTube views within a few years of its release. What started off as a version sung for an Extra Gum Commercial, turned out to be a chart topping-radio hit and touring sensation. Haley's remake of the song peaked at No. 17 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and No. 31 on the Billboard Adult Pop Airplay chart.
Haley has also embraced collaborating regularly with other talented musicians. She is featured on Postmodern Jukebox's highest viewed videos on YouTube (over 300 million views). And Haley has also dueted with legendary star Jeff Goldblum on two tracks from his chart-topping jazz standards collection, The Capitol Studios Sessions. Haley joined Jeff for an unforgettable performance on Jimmy Kimmel LIVE!. In 2019, she continued pushing boundaries by lending her voice and songwriting skills to Vicetone's EDM dance hit, Something Strange as well as an EDM version of Radiohead's Creep with DJ Naeleck in 2022.
Expanding her oeuvre, Haley voices a young boy named Bill Murphy on the Netflix hit animated series based on comedian Bill Burr's childhood - F Is For Family (seasons one through five out now). She made her acting debut in the #1 hit Robert Rodriguez film on Netflix titled, We Can Be Heroes, where she plays a superhero whose voice is her power.
Both 2022 and 2023 were banner years for Haley. In September 2022, Haley's newest EP - "Off The Ground" - released worldwide. The extended play features seven original songs all either written or co-written by Haley. From Fall 2022 to Fall 2023, Haley headlined her "Off The Ground Tour". She played to raved reviews in over 100 theaters and rock rooms throughout North America.
In 2024, Haley has taken her career to another level. After spending the first half of the year writing and recording a new album, Haley will embark on her headline tour, which will run from May to November 2024. The show is just beginning.- Music Department
- Actress
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Pia Toscano born October 14, 1988 is an American singer from Howard Beach, New York. Toscano placed ninth on the tenth season of American Idol. She was considered a frontrunner in the competition, and her elimination shocked judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, and Steven Tyler, all of whom were visibly and vocally upset. Some viewers and media outlets described Toscano's departure as one of the most shocking eliminations in American Idol history.- Actor
- Soundtrack
DeAndre Brackensick is known for American Idol (2002), Rock Bottom and Living Courageous with Ken Foreman (2020).- Actress
- Soundtrack
Crystal Bowersox was born on 4 August 1985 in Elliston, Ohio, USA. She is an actress, known for American Idol (2002), Crystal Bowersox: Farmer's Daughter (2010) and Body of Proof (2011). She has been married to Brian L. Walker since 10 October 2010.- Soundtrack